How to watch photos from your phone on Xiaomi TV

Modern smartphones have high-quality screens, but a 6-inch diagonal is often not enough to showcase a family archive or professional portfolio. Owners of the Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem have a unique advantage, since their devices and TVs run on a single Android TV operating system or PatchWall modification, which allows you to customize the broadcast of content without buying expensive adapters or complex adapters.

There are several proven ways to bring an image to the big screen, each with its own features and use cases. Some methods require a constant connection to the Wi-Fi network, while others allow you to transfer data directly over the Wi-Fi Direct protocol. The choice of the specific option depends on the model of your TV, the version of the operating system on your smartphone and the quality of the output image.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down all the current techniques, from built-in system features to third-party apps that ensure stable performance. You’ll learn how to avoid delays, maximize photo resolution, and quickly switch between devices. Follow the instructions to turn your TV into a multimedia gallery hub.

Use of the built-in function Wireless monitor

The fastest and most native way for Xiaomi and Redmi devices is to use the Wireless Monitor system function, which is based on Miracast technology, which allows you to transmit video streams and static images in real time without compression typical for cloud services. To activate, you need to open the curtain control panel and find the appropriate icon, or go to the Settings menu β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Broadcast.

Before you start the broadcast, make sure that both devices are connected to the same wireless network. The TV must support Mi Cast function or have a built-in Miracast receiver. After scanning the available devices, the name of your Xiaomi TV or Mi TV will appear in the list. Click on it and the smartphone screen is fully mirrored on the TV display.

⚠️ Note: When using the screen mirroring mode, the smartphone can heat up faster than usual, since the processor actively encodes the video stream.

This method is ideal for showing photos stored in a local gallery, because it does not require the installation of additional software. The quality of the image will depend on the power of the Wi-Fi router and the distance to it. If the signal is weak, micro-latency is possible when flipping slides, but for static photos this is rarely a critical problem.

πŸ“Š What method of displaying photos you use most often?
Built-in Wireless Monitor: Google Home (Chromecast): DLNA (AllCast) Apps: HDMI Cable

Broadcasting via Google Home and Chromecast

Most modern Xiaomi TVs have built-in support for Chromecast built-in technology, which allows you to stream content from apps that support this feature directly without straining the phone’s processor. To work, you will need the Google Home app, which is often pre-installed on smartphones with Google Play services.

Launch the Google Home app and find your TV in the list of available devices. Click on the device icon, then select the Broadcast button. Unlike Miracast, it uses the DLNA/Chromecast protocol, which often provides a more stable connection on networks with more interference. Once connected, open a photo gallery on your phone.

If you use the Google Photos app, it will have a live stream icon (a wave rectangle) that you can click on, and you can select specific pictures or entire albums to show on your TV, and the advantage of this method is that you can use your phone for other tasks while you're showing slides on your TV.

  • πŸ“± Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
  • πŸ“Ί Select your Xiaomi TV from the list of devices.
  • πŸ”„ Press "Translate screen" and confirm the connection.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Run a photo view in any supported application.

Importantly, Chromecast requires a stable Internet connection to work, as some of the data can be cached or processed through Google’s cloud services, but the interface’s response rate is usually faster than direct mirroring.

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If the TV is not visible in the Google Home app, check if the Chromecast feature is enabled in the settings of the TV itself: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Chromecast built-in.

Use of the DLNA-servers and intermediary applications

For users who prefer full control over the files being transmitted and do not want to broadcast the entire screen of a smartphone, media applications will be the best solution. Popular programs such as AllCast, BubbleUPnP or LocalCast create a bridge between the file system of the phone and the TV over the DLNA protocol.

Install the selected application on your phone and make sure it has access to storage. In the program menu, select your Xiaomi TV as the output device. Next, just go to the photo folder and click on the desired file. The TV will receive a command to play and open the image with the built-in player.

This method is especially convenient if you need to show photos in the maximum original quality, as many of them are not. DLNA-Customers can transfer files without the additional compression that is sometimes used by system broadcasting tools.

⚠️ Note: Some free versions of the translation apps may have session duration restrictions or add watermarks.

A comparison of the main characteristics of data transfer methods is presented in the table below, which will help you choose the most suitable option for your situation.

MethodRequired SOUTHQuality.Stability
Wireless monitorSystemicHigh.Medium
Google HomeGoogle HomeOptimal.Tall.
DLNA (AllCast)Away.Maximum.Tall.
HDMI CableNo.No loss.Maximum

Connection through USB-cable

If the wireless network is unstable or you need to transfer large files (for example, RAW-The best solution is to have a physical connection. Xiaomi TVs are equipped with ports. USB, But connecting your smartphone directly requires a cable that supports the drive mode.

Connect the phone to USB-The TV port is cabled, and the smartphone screen will be asked for mode of operation. USB. You must select the option of file transfer or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol: If you select Charging only, the TV will not be able to see the contents of the memory.

On the TV remote, click the signal source selection button (Input or the square icon with the arrow) and select your USB-Xiaomi's built-in media player will scan the device and suggest you open folders. DCIM Pictures where your pictures are stored.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the connection USB

Done: 0 / 1

The advantage of wired technology is that you don't depend on Wi-Fi speed and you don't have any delays. You can flip through heavy, high-resolution photos instantly. The disadvantage is that you need a cable, and you can't use your phone while you're watching it if the cable is short.

Local Area Network and Shared Folders (SMB)

For advanced users with a computer or NAS network storage, the streaming method over the SMB local area network is available. Xiaomi TVs support access to shared folders over the network. You can copy photos to your computer, share a folder and open it directly on the TV through a file manager, such as X-Plore or built-in Explorer.

This requires you to pre-configure access rights in the computer's operating system, make sure that network discovery is enabled, and the photo folder has read rights for all users of the local network, and on the TV in the file manager, you select the addition of the network and enter the computer data.

This is ideal for home photo galleries, where hundreds of photos are stored on a server and can be viewed from a TV at any time without the help of a smartphone.

If the TV can't see the computer on the network, check the settings of the Windows firewall or antivirus. Often they block incoming connections from the LAN, considering them potentially dangerous. Add a network profile "Private" and allow file sharing.

Solving codec problems
If HEIC (from iPhone) or RAW photos don’t open on your TV, use a converter on your phone or install a third-party player like VLC on your TV that has built-in codecs for rare formats.

Solution and optimization of quality

Even with the right setup, there can be situations where the image is not transmitted or looks blurry. A common reason is the use of an outdated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi standard, which has limited bandwidth. To transfer photos to 4K or HDR, it is desirable that both devices operate in the 5 GHz band.

Also worth paying attention to is the power saving settings on your smartphone: Aggressive MIUI algorithms can close the background broadcast process to save battery power, add the broadcast app to the exclusion list, or select No Limits performance mode in the battery settings.

Another important aspect is the file format. Xiaomi TVs do a great job with JPEG and PNG, but may have trouble with new formats like HEIF (used in iPhones and new Androids), in which case the phone can automatically convert the image when it transfers, which takes time, or refuses to broadcast.

  • πŸ“Ά Make sure the router distributes the network in the 5GHz band.
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off the energy saving mode during viewing.
  • πŸ“‚ Check the compatibility of file formats (JPEG/PNG).
  • πŸ”„ Restart your router if there are persistent breaks.

⚠️ Note: When you update your TV firmware, your network connection settings may reset. TV You will need to log in to the Wi-Fi network again.

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The quality of wireless broadcasting depends on the speed of the Wi-Fi router and the absence of physical obstacles between devices.

In conclusion, the choice of method depends on your current conditions. For a quick demonstration of a couple of pictures, a wireless monitor will do. For creating a cozy atmosphere and viewing albums, you should use Google Home or Google Home. DLNA-And for working with professional content without loss of quality, a cable or a local network is indispensable.

The secret of high definition
To achieve the best color and contrast when viewing a photo, switch the image mode on the TV to the "Photo" or "Cinema" mode through the picture settings menu, turning off dynamic color improvement.
Why does Xiaomi TV not see the phone when trying to stream?
The most common problem is that devices are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, one to the guest, one to the main), and also make sure that the router does not include AP client isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
Can I put a photo on TV without Wi-Fi?
Yes, this is only possible with a wired connection via a USB (storage mode) or HDMI (Type-C to HDMI adapter). Miracast and Chromecast wireless technologies require a local area network.
How to improve the quality of color display when viewing?
In the TV settings, go to the image section and select Standard or User mode. Avoid Bright or Dynamic mode, as these often distort the natural colors of the photos. Also check if the phone is on HDR when shooting.
Does the phone stop while the photo is broadcast?
When using the Miracast method, the load on the processor and GPU increases, which can cause heating. When using DLNA or Chromecast (when the phone acts only with a remote), the load is minimal, and the phone works as usual.